The second Super Eights encounter will see South Africa and New Zealand face-off against each other at Bridgetown in Barbados. This is also the 14th game of the ICC World T20.

New Zealand goes into the game with a lot of confidence after having both their league games; against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. As compared to that, South Africa were thoroughly outplayed in the India game before making a comeback against Afghanistan to go through to the second round. Fortunately, the game will now be played on a track that is an absolute contrast to the one where New Zealand played both the games – in Guyana.

With the amount of pace and bounce and carry, it is only natural that the South Africans (4/6 at Bet Fred) will go into the game as favourites as compared to the New Zealanders (13/10 at Blue Square), who have relied on spin and medium-pace bowling to get the better of their opposition.

On a quick pitch at Barbados, the batting for both the sides will be tested. New Zealand will look to Jesse Ryder (15/4 at 888Sport to be New Zealand’s best batsman) to give them the start they need, but Brendon McCullum (10/3 at Blue Square to top-score for his side) also gave signs of getting some runs together against Zimbabwe. McCullum likes the ball coming onto the bat, and he could be the man, New Zealand will need to get going. With Ross Taylor (4/1 at Bet Fred to top-score for the Kiwis) showing signs of a sudden loss of form, it is only natural that the side will need some of the others to pick up the gauntlet and look to bat through the innings.

South Africa, on paper, has a strong batting, but for some reason, has not clicked in the four games that they have played – including the two warm-ups. Graeme Smith (10/3 at Totesport) got back to his rightful opening slot against Afghanistan, while Jacques Kallis (3/1 at Boylesport to top-score for South Africa) was brought lower down the order. Loots Bosman (5/1 at Blue Square to be South Africa’s best batsman) may have struggled in the couple of games that they have played in, but one must remember that on a track that will have some life and the ball will come onto the bat, he could be at his dangerous best and could be afforded another chance.

To me, it looks like the South African may have an edge going into this encounter thanks to the strong battery of pace bowling that could usurp New Zealand’s spinners.

Tips:
Favourites: South Africa (4/6 at Bet Fred)
Top South Africa batsman: Loots Bosman (5/1 at Blue Square)
Top New Zealand batsman: Brendon McCullum (10/3 at Blue Square)